posted Jul 18, 2009

Another for Onions, well bowled.

Looks like we are batting!!!!

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posted Jul 18, 2009

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

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posted Jul 18, 2009

What a cowardly, defensive and pathetic decision by Strauss. What one would expect from Mr 'Status Quo'. Beefy is fuming in the 'Sky' commentary box. Ponting can't believe his luck!

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posted Jul 18, 2009

So what exactly is the plan, bat all day and get 300 and declare with lead of 500?

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posted Jul 18, 2009

I can see why Strauss made his decision. It's all about the mental gremlins that plague England when playing Australia.

His fear must be that if he had forced the follow on, Australia would have rallied under placid bowling conditions - declared at 540 for 7 on late Sunday afternoon - leaving England to score 330 to win. Meanwhile, weather conditions are now favouring swing bowling - and England collapse on the Monday to 240 all out.

That is the mental power that Australia have over England - the "Fear Factor" of failure.

Strauss's decision, while ultra defensive, is aimed far more at a draw than a win, so England can go into the 3rd Test evens.

As with the Windies, Strauss doesn't like taking risks and far prefers a draw over a risky chance of a win. The kind of guy who folds every poker hand unless he has 3 aces! And why I can see far more draws occurring in this Ashes series than wins with England being ultra-defensive throughout.

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posted Jul 18, 2009

Hauritz bowling!!!
Bit of a shock!!

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posted Jul 18, 2009

alfie
It's all "Twitter" now ....
--------------------
Oh dear - used to look forward to the chat on 606 during the match. Presumably others have moved to Twitter too? Never mind....

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posted Jul 18, 2009

Don't worry Audie

Still plenty of chat - just try the 606 thread titled "Enforce the follow on , if we can"

Everyone is on there , the "unofficial match thread"

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posted Jul 18, 2009

Alfie

thanks!

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posted Jul 20, 2009

Harmie in , Broadie out for Trent Bridge.
Also if pietersn is fit drop Bopara and play Bell at 3, If not, keep Bop in for one more try, and bring Keys in at 3, Colly at 4, and Bop at 5. Not very exciting though is it?

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